I'm taking my IS350 into Lexus of Bellevue tomorrow for my 30k service, which they quoted at $425.

On top of the things listed in the owner's manual that are needed for 30k service, the dealership is "highly recommending" I replace my differential fluids and get alignment done which would bring the price to $700+. I definitely don't need an alignment but is replacing the differential fluids necessary?

Thanks.

 

This thread should help.

 

DIY plain and simple

 

$275 for replacing diff. fluid + alignment?

what a rip-off!

 

should have done mine at 30K, now the car has 37K and i have royal purple sitting at my house. the house has been under construction and equipment for me to do anything is everywhere, hopefully have it all squared away in the next coming weeks.

 

With regards to the differential oil used, what are the collective thoughts on the weight of the diff oil? I can't remember the specifics XwX that the manual calls for but I seem to remember it being different than what RP or other fluid manufacturers offer.

I'm guessing this may be an attempt to force us to use ToMoCo fluids, but then again, fluid specs are there for a reason so there may be a legit need for that specific viscosity.

Any thoughts?

 

i did it at 13k as part of my 15k service

 

If it is not part of the recommended service stipulated in the owner's manual it is not necessary. It certainly will not hurt, but it really doesn't help either. You might as well wait to do it at the mileage interval called for in the serice manual. As for the alignment, if the tires are not wearing unevenly and your car is not pulling there is no need for an alignment. Business must be slow, sounds like a commission hungry service tech.

 

I can do the front and rear diff fluid changes on my jeeps and F350 with the vehicle sitting on the groud.

I'm pondering doing this on the IS. How are folks doing this without a lift? Jacking up one side of the car to get underneath? If that affecting proper draining of the diff?

 

I have looked through the threads and can't find a DIY on the diff. fluid? I know others have said its easy, I have no problem with the effort, I just want to know if anyone has a picture or location description of the drain bolts and the fill bolt(?).

Thank you in advance for this!

 

If you want to get an alignment go to firestone where they offer a lifetime alignment for a little over $100. In other words they will align your car for as long as you own it. And as for the differential fluid only change it if the manual states it otherwise you're just wasting money(like the good old 3k or 3 months oil change).

 

It's $169.99 for lifetime alignment from Firestone now. Sometimes they have it for $100 and that's a good deal!

 

But wasting money, increasing my carbon footprint, and contributing to gobal warming is a hobby I enjoy.